2016 NRL Preview - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

The 2015 season saw the Sharks spectacularly move on from the dramas of past seasons with a berth in the finals at seasons end, where they comfortably accounted for the World Champion South Sydney side, before a dismal showing the following week against eventual premiers North Queensland.

The season started similarly to how the previous year ended, with a succession of losses before winning 14 of their next 20 games to propel them into the top 6 at seasons end. Most impressive was their victory against reigning premiers South Sydney in horrendous conditions in Round 7, two victories against minor premiers Sydney Roosters and two wins against eventual premiers North Queensland Cowboys.

The year also saw the Sharks young guns come to the fore, with Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird setting the competition alight, the pair scoring almost a third of all the Sharks tries for the year.

Experienced players Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis, Chris Heighington and Michael Gordon all had solid seasons and new recruit Michael Ennis was the club's best player.

The club will be expected to achieve better results in 2016, as they have made some astute signings to further compliment their side which has a good mix of youth and experience.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT

The Sharks have long been renowned for their skilful and dominant forward pack and 2016 will see no change to that. But the club will also have strike players in the backs and halves, most notably Valentine Holmes whose speed and try scoring ability is matched by his freakish field goal kicking skills, especially in golden point.

New halves recruits James Maloney and Chad Townsend had very solid seasons, as did current five-eighth rookie Jack Bird, while the elusive Ben Barba is also keen to recapture his stellar form from a few seasons ago.

WHY THEY WON'T

Between the ears. The Sharks have a recent history of slow starts and inconsistently dismal exits from finals campaigns. Over the last 3 seasons Cronulla has consistently been the worst starting side to the comp with 2 wins from 7 games in 2013, 2 wins from 13 games in 2014 and 3 wins from 9 games in 2015. In 2013 and 2015, they won their first finals match, but lost their second.

KEY PLAYER

Valentine Holmes
Young Val scored 16 tries in 2015, a feat that hasn't happened for the club in a decade. He also kicked 2 match winning field goals in golden point. He has great speed and agility, isn't afraid to take risks and wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.

With Michael Gordon's departure, Holmes has the opportunity to cement the fullback spot which he will inevitably secure for the rest of his career. His fearless kick returns, speed and agility will see him become a much talked about Origin option much sooner than later.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Jack Rogers
While he may not get first grade time this year, Rogers is set to get plenty of attention in 2016. The son of former Shark Mat and grandson of club immortal Steve Rogers, Jack has the speed, elusiveness and utility value of both club legends. If he has a strong season, he is likely to push for a first grade berth in 2017.

THE BIG PLAYS

In past seasons, coach Shane Flanagan has used a quite one dimensional, forwards oriented grinding style of football, however the emergence of Holmes and Bird saw him evolve to allow a more expansive style of play. With the firepower he now possesses in the backs and halves, expect to see a more flamboyant style of play from the Sharks.

PLAYER MOVEMENT IN
James Maloney (Roosters)
Chad Townsend (Warriors)
Jesse Sene Lefao (Sea Eagles)
Jordan Drew (Broncos)
Josh Cleeland, Kurt Capewell (Ipswich Jets)
Joseph Paulo (Eels)
Matt McIlwrick (Roosters)

PLAYER MOVEMENT OUT
Michael Gordon (Eels)
Blake Ayshford (Warriors)
Josh Addo-Carr (Wests Tigers)
Jeff Robson (Warriors)
Kyle Stanley (retired)
Curtis Scott (Storm)

BEST 17
1. Ben Barba
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Gerard Beale
4. Jack Bird
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Chad Twonsend
7. James Maloney
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Michael Ennis
10. Paul Gallen (c)
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham
13. Chris Heighington

14. Matt Prior
15. Sam Tagatese
16. David Fifita
17. Jayson Bukuya